13/10/03 - Working together to tackle anti-social behaviour

On Tuesday 14thOctober, Cumbria County Council’s Community Safety Officer, Paul Musgrave is invited to London to take part in the launch of the National Action Plan to tackle anti-social behaviour.  

The Anti Social Behaviour Bill, currently going through Parliament, is due to be introduced in the new year and this National Action Plan will make reference to many of the points contained within that Bill for partners to address.

Paul is looking forward to attending the Conference. He says.

“Cumbria County Council is represented on the 4 local Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships in Cumbria and is already actively engaged in delivering multi agency local plans to tackle anti social behaviour.  This includes being involved in the employment of Anti-Social Behaviour coordinators throughout the county and being involved in spending the Building Safer Communities Funding, which is delivered through Government Office North West.  This funding goes towards supporting the development of neighbourhood watch, strengthening the ability of the community to assist in tackling anti social behaviour, proactively removing graffiti, additional CCTV, additional street lighting and a range of targeted policing operations relating to youth nuisance. 

Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships actively involve communities in their activities and look to the community for guidance. The views of the community are an important part of developing Crime Reduction Strategies and as a result, anti-social behaviour occupies a high profile across the county, reflecting the concerns of residents.

Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) have been widely used in the county since their introduction in 1998. New legislation in early 2003 simplified the process needed to obtain an ASBO but the new Bill adds some new powers for Authorities in tackling anti social behaviour.   All agencies agree that in providing increased powers, additional responsibilities are also placed upon those who discharge them, which needs extra money to meet demands.  We are hopeful that the new act will bring some additional funding with it.”

County Councillor Jack Richardson, Cabinet Member with the responsibility for Community Safety says

“Anti-social behaviour is a widespread problem and is more predominant in deprived neighbourhoods.  Its effects are extremely damaging to communities.  The small number of people carrying out this behaviour has such an impact on large numbers of ordinary people and we all need to work together to address the problem.   Anti social behaviour is often fuelled by wider problems of social exclusion and deprivation such as poverty, unemployment, family breakdown, truancy and school exclusion, drug dependency and community disorganisation.  Cumbria County Council has been involved in many initiatives to tackle anti-social behaviour throughout the County.  We all welcome further opportunities to extend the range of activities that the Crime & Disorder Partnerships are engaged in.